15 Nigerian artists to showcase work at Lagos expo

Fifteen Nigerian artists will showcase their works to spur creativity amongst youths during a two-week expo in Lagos.

The art exhibition, which would display modern and contemporary art works, would begin on December 8 and end on December 22 at Alexis Galleries, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The 15 participants in the maiden art expo are:  Segun Aiyesan, Sam Ovraiti, Duke Asidere, Dominique Zinkpe, Zinno Orara, George Edozie, Fidelis Odogwu, Diseye Tantua, Reuben Ugbine, Abiodun Olaku, Gab Awusa, John Oyedemi, Alex Nwokolo Edosa Ogiugo and Gbenga Offo.

The organiser of the event, Patty Chidiac, urged Nigerians to avail themselves of the opportunity to see and learn from the various art works that would be exhibited.  According to Chidiac, the exhibition themed, ‘The bloom 1’, would be an annual art exhibition.

“I want everyone to get entertained and learn from every work of art that will be displayed because they are works of renowned artists who have contributed to the development of Nigeria’s art industry,” she said.

One of the artists, Diseye Tantua, said he made household furniture from vintage cars and power bikes to spur creativity amongst youths. According to him, unbelievable ideas can be generated from artists and art lovers before the end of the exhibition. “I’m out to make a statement through my art and get Nigerian youths creative, making them realise that unbelievable things can be achieved when we tend to be creative. I have made plasma televisions, chairs, tables and a whole lot using vintage cars and power bikes,” he said.

Another artist, George Edozie said he would exhibit paintings which would project the strength and beauty of being African to inspire every African to take pride in their culture. “My works titled, ‘Nnekesi’ (The golden fish has no hiding place) and ‘Ikpopuchi’ (calling unto God) will be exhibited,” he said.

Also, Sam Ovraiti intends to change people’s perception of women through his works which he titled, ‘Celebration’, ‘We are stronger together’ and ‘That same market.’ He said that the positive contributions of women in the society must be recognised as women turn troubled situations to that of happiness and excitement. “Women are not appreciated in the society, considering their nature and the power to create a joyful atmosphere where there is chaos,” he said.

Gab Awusa, who had practised for over 30 years as a painter, said his works project gender equality and strength of womanhood. “Three of my works will be exhibited and they are ‘Mood Swing’, ‘Soloist’ and ‘Breadwinner’. They preach that a woman should be seen beyond her physical beauty to her contributions in the general welfare of people she comes across,” he said.